Candle enhancement device that is a safety sinking snuffer and follower designed to extinguish the flame on a displaced wick and assists in retaining a wick within a central position, in even melting of wax and in reducing wax buildup on the inner surfaces of the vessel

ABSTRACT

My invention relates to candle accessories and is a safety sinking snuffer and candle follower designed to extinguish the flame on a displaced wick and assist in retaining a wick within a central position, in even melting of wax and in reducing wax buildup on the inner surfaces of the vessel containing a candle. Its&#39; unique design to achieves the above stated functions allows it to operation in varying placements within the vessel; while on the top surface of the candle and during the burning process while within the molten wax layer on the top surface of the solidified wax below.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

My invention relates to candle accessories and is a sinking safetysnuffer and candle follower designed to extinguish the flame on adisplaced wick and assist in retaining a wick within a central position,even melting of wax and in reducing wax buildup on the inner surfaces ofthe vessel.

In general when a candle within a vessel or container (glass, metal orother material; hereafter termed “vessel”) is manufactured the vessel isfilled to somewhat full with combustible fuel that may be wax, tallow oran other solidified combustible substance that is solid at ambienttemperatures and becomes melted when heated somewhat above ambient orlow temperature (thereafter termed ‘solidified wax’) and it is presumedthat it is intended that the wick, that may be composed of an absorbentmaterial, generally a type of cotton, nylon or other material in theformation of a string or thread that may have a thin wire in its centerused as a stiffener (hereafter termed ‘wick’) is set, or becomes fixedwithin a central position of the solidified wax. There is usually a wickholder (generally a thin piece of metal with a crimping hole that crimpsthe lower most portion of the wick) that is designed to hold the wick atthe bottom of the vessel before the molten wax is poured into the vesselduring the process of making the candle. The wick extends the fulllength of the solidified wax in a vertically upward posture, exits thesolidified wax and a nominal piece of bare wick protrudes above the topsurface of the solidified wax for the purpose of enabling the wick to beignited. However, during the manufacturing process sometimes the wickwill be displaced and deviate from the aforesaid central position of thesolidified wax (hereafter termed ‘displaced wick’).

A displaced wick can range anywhere between the intended centralposition of the solidified wax to a position that severely deviates froma central position within the solidified wax. These candles withinvessels are in the marketplace and are frequently purchased and used.

A minor to mild displaced wick is one that has set within the centralcore area of the solidified wax (the central core area obviously variesdepending on the size of the candle) and can be curved to one side andor the other which causes an uneven melting of the solidified wax.

This condition results in eventual candle failure as the un-molten waxremains and or builds-up on the inner surfaces of the vessel causingless available air and a number of other factors that lead to theeventual situation whereby the wick is unable to sustain a flame.

Generally a minor to mildly displaced wick will allow the candle to burnsomewhat properly for a period of time but eventually the aforesaidcondition causes the flame to decrease in intensity to the point that itbecomes unable to generate enough heat to melt the solidified wax into amolten wax and as the flame is dependent on the wick absorbing moltenwax to use as fuel for the flame, the eventuality of the aforesaidcondition is candle failure.

A mild to severely displaced wick is a wick that has set within thesolidified wax in a position where it deviates outside of the inner corearea of the solidified wax and the severely displaced wick is one thatdeviates so far from the central core area that it actually comes intocontact with the inner surface of the vessel. This is not an uncommonmishap.

A visual examination of the candle within the vessel will not reveal theplacement or location of the wick as it is hidden within the solidifiedwax.

Burning a candle with a displaced wick is at risk of causing damage andor harm to either person(s) and or the property in the surrounding area.During the process of burning a candle with a displaced wick, the areawhere the wick displaced can over heat and through heat transference andcan cause items in the surrounding area to ignite and or cause breakageto the vessel which can cause the area surrounding the candle to ignite,placing the user at danger of damage to self or property.

Most candles come with a warning that they not be burned withoutsupervision. However it is commonly known that people do not generallysit and observe a candle for the entire duration of time that a candleburns. There are generally, spans of time that ignited candles are notvisually supervised by the user and there are also times when they areunintentionally left burning without any supervision whatsoever.

The object of the present invention is to remedy and or assist inpreventing the problems presented by burning candles within vessels. Thepresent invention assists in retaining a displaced wick within thecentral area of the hole that is in the center of the present inventionand it can extinguish the flame on a displaced wick. The presentinvention will also assist in distributing the heat evenly over the topsurface of the solidified wax at the initial ignition of the wick, whichassists reducing the buildup of un-molten wax on the inner surfaces ofthe vessel and assist in the continual even distribution of heat whilesubmerged within the molten wax layer and on the top surface of thesolidified wax below. The weight on the aforesaid surface also assistsin the even melting of the solidified wax.

My research into candle followers and other patented devices andapparatus invented to assist in the burning of candles have beendesigned to maintain their position on the surface of the molten wax inorder to perform the functions and or operations and many are designedto use on free standing candles with exposed wax surfaces. The presentinvention is designed specifically for candles within vessels and it isunique because it is designed to operate for a short period of time onthe surface of the solidified wax to perform the aforesaid function andis novel in the fact that it is designed to sink below the surface ofthe molten wax layer to perform its other functions and or operations asaforesaid. The candle snuffers and followers in other patents areconsistently attempt to design a device or apparatus that will ensurethat the device maintains an upper or top position on the surface of themolten wax, yet unpredictably, the present invention functions andoperates and provides an advantageous use as aforesaid by first beingavailable and useful on the top surface of the solidified wax and thenfunctions and operates and provides an advantageous use as aforesaid bysinking below the molten wax layer.

References Cited By Inventor

Listed below are prior patents of which I am aware that bears somerelationship to the present invention. Below is a list of priorinventions and the differences between these inventions and the presentinvention

U.S. Pat. Nos.:

6,695,611 B2 Feb. 24, 2004 Lee 2,092,471 Sep. 7, 1937 H. D. Pomije3,885,905 May 27, 1975 Giangiulio 4,332,548 Jun. 1, 1982 Linton et al.3,048,025 Aug. 7, 1952 A. I. Root 4,234,303 Nov. 18, 1980 Neugart977,567 Dec. 6, 1910 M. H. Sterling

The above Patents pertain to the same classification or field of thepresent invention. For simplicity, ease and to avert confusion I havelisted each patent numbered above with a short description of relevancyto the present invention.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,695,611 B2 Feb. 24, 2004 Lee

This device has the primary function of a wick holding device. It isdesigned to hold and or support a permanent wick in a position above themolten wax. The present invention is not related nor does it claim anyrelationship to the claims and or functions of this patent. The presentinvention is not a wick holder it is designed to retain the wick withinthe hole in its center.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,092,471 Sep. 7, 1937 H. D. Pomije

This Candle Accessory has a function to maintain an upper position onthe top surface of a free standing, uncontained candle. Its function isto reduce and or regulate the flame and consists primarily of a baffleelement adapted to be placed above and over the top of a free standingcandle with an exposed wax surface. The present invention is notdesigned for use with free standing candles with exposed wax surfaces.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,885,905 May 27, 1975 Giangiulio

This Device is designed to be used on the top surface of a vesselcontaining liquid fuel and extinguish the flame should the candle bebumped or knocked over. The present invention is not designed for usewith candles that use liquid fuel. The present invention is designed touse with candles that use a solid or semi solid combustible substanceand is not designed to function as protection should the candle bebumped or knocked over.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,332,548 Jun. 1, 1982 Linton et al.

This Disc is designed to fit inside of a vessel containing a candle, itis designed to maintain an upper position on the top surface of thecandle with the main function of containing bits of extraneous materialbelow the burning surface. The present invention is not designed tomaintain a position on the top surface of the candle nor is its functionto contain extraneous material below the flame.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,048,025 Aug. 7, 1952 A. I. Root

This device is invented for use with a candle that is not in a vessel orcontainer. Its primary functions relate to providing a protective outercovering for a free standing candle with exposed wax surfaces for thepurpose of containing seepage of wax on the outer surface of a verticalfree standing wax candle. The present invention is not made for a freestanding candle with exposed wax surfaces.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,234,303 Nov. 18, 1980 Neugart

This device is a Disc that is designed to fit into a candle that iscontained within a vessel however, its function is to maintain an upperposition on the top of the molten surface or to float on the top surfaceof the candle during the burning process of a lit candle. Although thepresent invention, during the initial stage of a lit candle is on thetop surface of the solidified wax and it does assist in the even meltingof the surface wax which reduces or lessons buildup of wax on the innersurfaces of the vessel, it is not designed to maintain an upper positionon the top of the molten wax layer It is designed to sink below thesurface of the candles molten wax layer to perform its functions andoperations. The present invention is designed to sink below said topsurface and into the molten wax layer to settle onto the surface ofsolidified wax below where it also assists in the even distribution ofheat across said surface to assist in the reduction of wax buildup onthe inner surfaces of the vessel.

U.S. Pat. No. 977,567 Dec. 6, 1910 M. H. Sterling

This device is invented for use with a candle that is not in a vessel orcontainer. Its primary function is to economize the waste of combustiblesubstance during burning. This device has a hollow inner core and isinvented to maintain an upper position on the top of a free standingcandle with exposed wax surfaces. Although the present invention doescause less consumption of combustible substance during the process ofburning a candle with a displaced wick and may cause less consumption ofcombustible substance during the process of burning a candle with astraight wick, its design is not for use with free standing candles withexposed wax surfaces nor is it designed to maintain a position on thetop surface of the candle.

The present invention is novel due to the fact that none of these priorpatents are designed to sink below the molten wax layer. The presentinvention is unique because it is designed to operate for a short periodof time on the surface of the solidified wax to perform some of itsfunctions and is novel in the fact that it, by design, unexpectedlysinks below the surface of the molten wax to perform its other functionsand or operations.

The present invention is unique in that it does sink below the surfaceof the molten wax and settles on the surface of the un-molten orsolidified wax which not only functions as a candle follower in that itretains a straight or semi straight wick within the central core area ofthe hole at it center, it also serves the purpose of bending a displacedwick under its weight which will eventually snuff out the flame on adisplaced wick. No other patent that I have found is designed to sinkbelow the surface of the molten wax layer to perform its functions andor operations.

The present invention is innovative because while it is within themolten wax layer and settled onto the top surface of the solidified waxbelow it naturally absorbs the ambient temperature of the molten wax.This assists in an even distribution of heat to spread across the topsurface of the solidified wax along with its weight on said surfacewhich assists in a constant horizontal melting of said surface. Thisassists in reducing or lessoning the build-up of wax on the innersurfaces of the vessel.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

My invention relates to Candle Accessories and is a Sinking SafetyDevice and follower designed to extinguish the flame on a displaced wickand to assist in retaining a wick within a central position, evenmelting of wax and in reducing wax buildup on the inner surfaces of thevessel containing a candle.

The object of the present invention is to remedy and or assist inreducing and or preventing the problems presented in burning candleswithin vessels. The present invention assists in maintaining a wick thathas a minor displacement to be retained within the central area of thehole that is in the center of the present invention and to extinguishthe flame on a displaced wick. It is designed to assist in the evenmelting of the solidified wax and in reducing or lessoning the buildupof wax on the inner sides of the vessel.

The Operation of the Present Invention:

The device is placed within the vessel and seated in a horizontalposition onto the top surface of the solidified wax with the wickprotruding in a vertically upwards posture through the hole in thecenter of the present invention. The wick is then ignited and as isnormal to any candle within a vessel, as the flame on the wick burns itheats the solidified wax surrounding the area of the wick changing itinto a molten and liquefied state. The wick absorbs the molten wax andthis provides fuel for the flame.

The present invention becomes heated by the flame and distributes theheat across the top surface of the solidified wax and this affectprovides an even melting of the surface solidified wax which assists inreducing the wax buildup on the inner surfaces of the vessel.

As the candle burns, slowly more of the solidified wax becomes moltenand forms a layer of molten wax. The weight of the present inventionallows it to continually sink below the surface of the of the molten waxand settle onto the top surface of the solidified wax below where itperforms as a candle follower as it retains the wick within the centralarea of the hole in its center. As the candle burns and the processcontinues whereby the present invention continues to sink below themolten wax layer and settles onto the top surface of the solidified waxbelow, it continues to restrain and maintain the wick in a centralposition of the open area of its hole as well as within a centralposition within the molten wax layer and above the surface of the moltenwax.

If the wick is not placed in a straight and upwards posture within thesolidified wax when the candle is manufactured (hereafter termed‘displaced wick), the present invention will assist in retaining thedisplaced wick the central area of the hole.

This process continues until all the available wax is exhausted and thepresent invention can be removed and used in another candle. If thecandle has a severely displaced wick, as the candle burns, the inneredge of the hole in the center of the device will eventually come intocontact with the displaced wick. The weight of the present inventionputs pressure on the displaced wick. This occurs below the molten waxlayer.

The pressure exerted by of the weight of the present invention on thedisplaced wick slowly pushes down on the displaced wick causing it tobend. This causes flame on the wick above the surface to be reduced orlessen in intensity because the portion of displaced wick that is abovethe molten wax layer has become reduced or become smaller in availablemass from the bending of the displaced wick within the molten wax layer.As the process of burning the candle continues, the wick continues to bebent under the weight of the present invention until the wick is more orless compressed or stuck between the present invention and thesolidified wax.

The reduced heat generated by the flame on a displaced eventuallyexhausts or consumes the available layer of molten wax until the flameis burning on the wick at the point where the wick is stuck under thebottom surface of the edge of the hole in the center of the presentinvention. The flame will burn the wick until it exhausts all availablemolten wax it is able to produce and it goes out, or is snuffed out dueto the aforesaid conditions created by the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Herein is a brief description of the several views of the drawing. Thepresent invention is described by the use of these illustrations. Theillustrations are a representation of a prototype of the presentinvention used for illustrative purpose and is designed as per thespecifications of the present inventions descriptions and claims, to usewith a common seven day prayer candle that 5snot part of the presentinvention. Therefore, I do not intend to limit the breadth of thisinvention to the single embodiment illustrated and described. Rather, itis intended that the scope of this invention be determined by theappended claims, detailed descriptions and their equivalents. A listingincluding all figures by number with statements is below the followingbrief description.

Page 1 Summary

FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 4 show four different views of the prototype of thepresent invention that has been designed and manufacture as per thespecifications of the present inventions descriptions and claims for usewith a common seven day prayer candle (not part of the presentinvention). The said prototype of the present invention is made of 3/32inch thick stamped steel and is comprised of an annular or circular flatdisc having a uniform thickness with an edge and a major portion thereofdisposed in a flat plane with a central hole or opening through which toreceive a wick.

Page 2 Summary

FIGS. 5 and 7 depicts two illustrations of a common seven day prayercandle which is a candle that is made within a vessel (not part of thepresent invention). FIG. 6 is an illustration of the prototype of thepresent invention depicting the required measurements for use with acommon seven day prayer candle.

Page 3 Summary

FIGS. 8 and 9 show two progressive burning stages of the candle with thefunctions and operation of the prototype of the present inventiondepicted. These two illustrations depict the beneficial affects of thepresent invention as an accessory for use while burning a candle withina vessel. It is an illustrative demonstration of how the presentinvention will sink below the surface of the molten wax and maintain anormal and centralized wick within a central position of the candle.

Page 4 Summary

FIGS. 10 and 11 show illustrations of a candle that has a displacedwick. FIG. 10 shows the candle with a displaced wick and the prototypeof the present invention properly inserted and ready to use. FIG. 11shows the same candle 10 in the resulting condition after the candle hadbeen ignited and the candle burned for a period of approximately twodays and depicts the affects that the prototype of the present inventionhas during the burning process of the candle. It is an illustrativedemonstration of how the present invention will sink below the surfaceof the molten wax and maintain the displaced wick within a central areaof the hole in the center of the prototype of the present invention andin the central area of the solidified wax and molten wax layer.

Page 5 Summary;

FIGS. 12 and 13 depict the same candle as in FIGS. 11 and 12 in twofurther stages of the burning process of the candle. These twoillustrations show the beneficial affects of the present invention as anaccessory for use while burning a candle that has a displaced wick. Itis an illustrative demonstration of how the prototype of the presentinvention functions and operates while a candle with a displaced wick isburning. It is an illustration of how the prototype of the presentinvention snuffs out or extinguishes the flame on a displaced wick.

Page 6 Summary

FIG. 14 shows an enlarged slightly angled cut out side view of FIG. 12from the perspective of looking downwards from the top of the candletowards the bottom of the candle.

Page 7 Summary

FIG. 15 shows an enlarged slightly angled cut out side view of FIG. 13from the perspective of looking downwards from the top of the candletowards the bottom of the candle.

Page 8 Summary

FIGS. 16, 17, 18 and 19 show four comparative illustration; FIGS. 16 and17 depict a candle in two stages of the burning process and theresulting condition of the candle without the use of the prototype ofthe present invention and FIGS. 18 and 19 depict a candle in two stagesof the burning process and the resulting condition of the candle withthe use of the prototype of the present invention. These fourcomparative illustration enables the viewer clearly see the beneficialuse the prototype of the present invention to assist in reducing thebuild-up of solidified or un-molten wax on the inner sides of the vesselduring the process of burning these types of candles.

Below is a listing of all of the figures by number with correspondingstatements explaining what each figure depicts.

Page 1 Summary

FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 4 show four different views of the prototype of thepresent that is made of three thirty second of an inch ( 3/32″) thickstamped steel and is comprised of an annular or circular flat dischaving a uniform thickness with an edge and a major portion thereofdisposed in a flat plane with a central hole or opening through which toreceive a wick.

FIG. 1 shows a full flat frontal view of the prototype of the presentinvention

FIG. 2 shows three dimensional frontal views the prototype of thepresent invention

FIG. 3 shows a three dimensional angular view of the prototype of thepresent invention

FIG. 4 shows a one dimensional angular view of the prototype of thepresent invention and it is this type of angular view that is used toillustrate the present invention when used in conjunction with thecandle.

Page 2 Summary

FIGS. 5 and 7 depicts two illustrations of a common seven day prayercandle that is not part of the present invention; FIG. 5 candle withoutthe prototype of the present invention and FIG. 7 the candle with aprototype of the present invention properly inserted and ready to useFIG. 6 is an illustration of the prototype of the present inventiondepicting the required measurements for use with a common seven dayprayer candle.

FIG. 5 depicts all the elements that compose a common seven day prayercandle. A common seven day prayer candle may be composed of thefollowing; a combustible fuel that may be wax, tallow or an othersolidified combustible substance that is solid at ambient temperaturesand becomes melted when heated somewhat above ambient temperature(thereafter termed ‘solidified wax’) and a wick that may be composed ofan absorbent material, generally a type of cotton, nylon or othermaterial in the formation of a string or thread that may have a thinwire in its center used as a stiffener (hereafter termed ‘wick’) and acontainer with an opening in the top and may be composed of glass, metalor other material able to hold the content of the other components thatmake up a candle (hereafter termed ‘vessel’). The wick is placed in thecentral area of the vessel and extends in a vertically upward positionthrough the full length of the solidified and exits through the topsurface of solidified wax so that a nominal piece of the wick remainsabove the top surface of the solidified wax for the purpose of ignitingwith a flame. Generally these candles have a wick holder that is set onthe bottom of the vessel and it secures the very most bottom end of thewick at the bottom of the vessel during the manufacturing process ofmaking the candle within the vessel. The wick holder is usually made ofa piece of thin metal in a rectangular shape with a crimping hole in itscenter to received the end of the wick and secure the wick at an upwardninety degree angle in the bottom of the vessel. The wick holder isshown in FIG. 5 to illustrate all of the actual components of a commonseven day prayer candle (hereafter termed ‘candle’) and the candle isnot part of the present invention. The wick holder is omitted in all ofthe remaining illustrations as its presence has no affect on thefunction or operation of the prototype of the present invention and itsabsence in the illustrations allows an unimpeded and clear view of theprototype of the present invention and the functions and operations ofthe prototype of the present invention during use with the candle whichis the sole purpose of the illustrations. FIG. 7 shows a candle with aprototype of the present invention properly inserted and ready to use.The view of the candle is at the perspective of looking upwards from thebottom of the vessel, up through the clear solidified wax to the top ofthe vessel. The solidified wax in all of the illustrations is shown asclear to allow a clear and concise depiction of the elements of thecandle and a clear and concise view of the functions and operation ofthe prototype of the present invention within the candle.

FIG. 5 (1) shows the outline of the vessel which is eight and onequarter inches in height.

FIG. 5 (2) shows the inside area of the vessel that is filled withsolidified wax used as fuel for the candle.

FIG. 5 (3) indicates the wick that is placed in the central area of thesolidified wax starting at the bottom most part of the vessel extendingin a straight vertically upward position for the full length of thesolidified wax to the point where it exist the solidified wax

FIG. 5 (4) indicates the nominal piece of the wick that protrudes abovethe top surface of the wax for the purpose of enabling the wick to beignited.

FIG. 5 (6) indicates the point at where the wick exits the solidifiedwax to protrude through to the surface above the solidified wax.

FIG. 5 (8) indicates the top surface area of the solidified wax.

FIG. 5 (13) indicates the inside diameter of the glass vessel thatmeasures 2¼ inches

FIG. 5 (14) indicates a wick holder placed on the bottom of the vesselthat secures the wick at the bottom of the vessel during the process ofthe making candle.

FIG. 5 (18) Indicates the nominal piece of wick in the bottom of thewick holder

FIG. 6 shows an illustration of a full frontal view of the prototype ofthe present invention with four horizontal lines emanating from itsouter and inner edges which depict the outer dimensions of the prototypeof the present invention and the and inner dimensions of the hole in thecenter of the prototype of the present invention which is designed foeuse with a candle.

FIG. 6 (15) shows a full flat view of the prototype of the presentinvention with two horizontal lines and arrows indicating the outerdimension measurement: the very upper most and the very lower mosthorizontal lines indicate an outer measurement of 2 1/16″.

FIG. 6 (16) shows a full flat view of the prototype of the presentinvention with the two horizontal lines with arrows at its mid areaindicating the inner dimensions of the hole in the center of the presentinvention which measure at ½″.

FIG. 7 shows the candle as depicted in FIG. 5 form the perspective oflooking upwards from the bottom of the vessel up through the clearsolidified wax to the top of the vessel. The solidified wax in all ofthe illustrations of a candle is shown as clear space (unmarked) as allother elements depicted in the candle make it logical and obvious wherethe solidified wax is maintained in the vessel and this method ofillustration allows all elements of the candle and function andoperation of the prototype of the present invention to be depicted in aclear and concise manner. This illustration depicts the candle with theprototype of the present invention properly inserted and ready for use.

FIG. 7 (2) shows the inside area of the vessel that is filled withsolidified wax used as fuel for the candle.

FIG. 7 (3) indicates the wick that is placed in the central area of thesolidified wax starting at the bottom most part of the vessel extendingin a straight vertically upward position for the full length of thesolidified wax to the point where it exist the solidified wax.

FIG. 7 (4) indicates the nominal piece of the wick that protrudes abovethe top surface of the wax.

FIG. 7 (5) indicates the prototype of the present invention as describedin FIG. 4 in a horizontal position and placed on the top surface of thesolidified wax with the wick protruding vertically upwards through thehole in its center.

FIG. 7 (6) indicates the point at where the wick exits the solidifiedwax to protrude through to the surface above the solidified wax.

FIG. 7 (7) indicates the wick at the point where it extends verticallyupwards through the hole in the center of the prototype of the presentinvention.

FIG. 7 (8) indicates the top surface area of the solidified wax Page 2summary

FIG. 6 shows an illustration of the prototype of the present inventionwith the measurements used for manufacture of this device to use with acandle.

Page 3 Summary

FIGS. 8 and 9 show two progressive burning stages of the candle with thefunctions and operation of the prototype of the present inventiondepicted. These two illustrations depict the beneficial affects of thepresent invention as an accessory for use while burning a candle withina vessel. It is an illustrative demonstration of how the presentinvention will sink below the surface of the molten wax and maintain anormal and centralized wick within a central position of the candle.igure 8 shows the same candle as described in FIG. 7 except it is now inthe resulting condition after the wick had been ignited and the candlehad been burning for a period of approximately two days.

FIG. 8 (2) shows the inside area of the vessel that is filled withsolidified wax used as fuel for the candle.

FIG. 8 (3) indicates the wick that is placed in the central area of thesolidified wax starting at the bottom most part of the vessel extendingin a straight vertically upward position for the full length of thesolidified wax to the point where it exist the solidified wax.

FIG. 8 (4) (A) indicates the nominal piece of the wick that protrudesabove the top surface of the molten wax layer.

FIG. 8 (5) (A) shows that the prototype of the present invention is in ahorizontal position and has settled on top surface of the solidified waxbelow the layer of molten wax and the wick has been maintained withinthe central area of its hole.

FIG. 8 (6) indicates the point at where the wick exits the solidifiedwax to protrude through to the surface above the solidified wax

FIG. 8 (7) indicates the wick at the point where it extends verticallyupwards through the hole in the center of the prototype of the presentinvention

FIG. 8 (8) indicates the top surface area of the solidified wax

FIG. 8 (9) indicates the top surface of molten wax

FIG. 8 (10) shows the layer of molten wax which is the portion ofsolidified wax that has become liquefied from the heat of the flameburning on the wick

FIG. 8 (11) indicates the portion of the wick that extends above thesolidified wax in a straight vertically upwards position within thelayer of molten wax until it exist the molten wax.

FIG. 9 shows the same candle as described in FIG. 8 in the resultingcondition after the wick had been ignited and the candle had beenburning for a period of approximately seven days and has completed itsburning process.

FIG. 9 (1) shows the outline of the vessel.

FIG. 9 (3) (A) indicates the un-burned portion wick at the bottom mostpart of the vessel

FIG. 9 (5) (B) indicates the prototype of the present invention and theposition it is in after the candle has fully burned out (approximatelyseven days). It has settled on the bottom on the vessel in a horizontalposition the wick has been maintained within the central area of itshole.

FIG. 9 (7) (A) indicates the burned out portion of the remaining wick atthe point where it extends vertically upwards through the hole in thecenter of the prototype of the present invention at the end of theburning process of the candle.

FIG. 9 (8) (A) indicates the top surface area of remaining unusedsolidified wax that is stuck onto the inner surfaces of the vessel

Page 4 Summary FIGS. 10 and 11 show two illustrations of a candle thathas a displaced wick. FIG. 10 shows the candle with a displaced wick andthe prototype of the present invention properly inserted and ready touse. FIG. 11 shows the same candle 10 in the resulting condition afterthe candle had been ignited and the candle burned for a period ofapproximately two days and depicts the affects that the prototype of thepresent invention has during the burning process of the candle. It is anillustrative demonstration of how the present invention will sink belowthe surface of the molten wax and maintain the displaced wick within acentral area of the hole in the center of the prototype of the presentinvention and in the central area of the solidified wax and molten waxlayer.

FIG. 10 shows a candle as depicted in FIG. 7 at the perspective oflooking upwards from the bottom surface of the vessel, to the top of thevessel that contains the candle which may be composed of wax and a wick.The wick, however, in this illustration is set within the solidified waxin manner that it is not centered within the solidified wax and isangled or curved toward the left side of the vessel and returns to aposition of near center before exiting the solidified wax to protrudeabove the surface of the wax (hereafter termed ‘displaced wick).

FIG. 10 (3) (B) indicates the displaced wick within the solidified waxFIG. 10 (2) placed in a central position from the bottom most part ofthe vessel and extends vertically upwards at a twenty ten degree angletowards the left side until approximately two thirds the length of thesolidified wax and bends horizontally to the left at a sixty degreeangle extending left until it comes into contact with the inner side ofthe vessel from that point it is bent back towards the center of thesolidified wax at a thirty degree angle in an upwards posture extendingin a vertically upwards position for approximately one sixth the lengthof the solidified wax within a quarter inch from the center of thesolidified wax and continues at a ten percent incline until it exits thesolidified wax.

FIG. 10 (4) (B) shows the nominal piece of the displaced wick thatprotrudes upwards through to the surface of the solidified wax and thatit is slightly moved toward the right side approximately one sixteenthof an inch from its previous position as depicted in FIG. 9 (4).

FIG. 10 (5) (C) indicates the prototype of the present invention asdescribed in FIG. 4 in a horizontal position and placed on the topsurface of the solidified wax with the displaced wick extending upwardthrough the hole in its center.

FIG. 10 (6) (A) indicates the point at where the displaced wick exitsthe solidified wax to protrude through to the surface above thesolidified wax and that it is angled to the right at the point ofexiting the solidified wax.

FIG. 10 (7) (B) indicates the displaced wick at the point where itextends vertically upwards through the hole in the center of theprototype of the present invention

FIG. 10 (8) indicates the top surface area of the solidified wax.

FIG. 11 shows the same candle depicted in FIG. 10 in the resultingcondition after the candle had been ignited and the candle burned for aperiod of approximately two days.

FIG. 11 (3) (C) indicates the same displaced wick as described in FIG.10 (3) (B) in the resulting condition of being in contact with theprototype of the present invention.

FIG. 11 (4) (C) shows the nominal piece of the displaced wick thatprotrudes upwards through to the surface of the solidified wax and thatit is slightly moved toward the right side approximately one sixteenthof an inch from its previous position FIG. 10 4(A).

FIG. 11 (5) (D) indicates that the prototype of the present inventionhas settled on top of the surface of the solidified wax below the moltenwax layer and bottom surface of edge of the hole in its center is incontact with the top surface of the displaced wick at the point wherethe displaced wick started its ten degree incline.

FIG. 11 (6) (B) indicates the point at where the displaced wick exitsthe solidified wax to protrude through to the surface above thesolidified wax and shows that it has been bent downwards at an increasedten degree angle from its previous position as described in FIG. 10 (6)(A).

FIG. 11 (7) (C) indicates the displaced wick at the point where itextends vertically upwards through the hole in the center of theprototype of the present invention and is in contact with the surface ofthe bottom edge of the hole in the center of the prototype of thepresent invention.

FIG. 11 (8) indicates the top surface area of the solidified wax.

FIG. 11 (9) indicates the top surface of molten wax.

FIG. 11 (10) (A) indicates the layer of molten wax which is the portionof solidified wax that has become liquefied from the heat of the flameburning on the wick.

FIG. 11 (11) (A) indicates the portion of the displaced wick thatextends above the solidified wax.

Page 5 Summary

FIGS. 12 and 13 depict the same candle as in FIGS. 11 and 12 in twofurther stages of the burning process of the candle. These twoillustrations show the beneficial affects of the present invention as anaccessory for use while burning a candle that has a displaced wick. Itis an illustrative demonstration of how the prototype of the presentinvention functions and operates while a candle with a displaced wick isburning. It is an illustration of how the prototype of the presentinvention snuffs out or extinguishes the flame on a displaced wick.

FIG. 12 shows the candle with a displaced wick as depicted in FIG. 10 inthe resulting condition after the wick had been ignited and the candleburned for a period of approximately three days.

FIG. 12 (1) shows the outline of the vessel.

FIG. 12 (2) shows the inside area of the vessel that is filled withsolidified wax used as fuel for the candle.

FIG. 12 (3) (D) indicates the placement of the displaced wick and thechange in the top portion of the wick. The top surface area of the topportion of displaced wick is now in full contact with the bottom surfaceof the prototype of the present invention has increased from theprevious state as depicted in FIG. 11 (3) (C) to it current statewhereby the full length of the top surface of the angled portion of thedisplaced wick that extends from point of contact with the inner side ofthe vessel to the point where it extends upward through the hole in thecenter of the prototype of the present invention is in contact with thebottom surface of the prototype of the present invention and shows thatthis portion of the displaced wick has been bent at a right angledownward from its previous position by the weight of the prototype ofthe present invention.

FIG. 12 (4) (D) indicates that the portion of the displaced wick thatprotrudes upwards through to the top surface of the molten wax hasdecreased in size and it has been moved further to the right of theprevious location depicted in FIG. 11 (4) (C) due to the weight of theprototype of the present invention having settled onto the displacedportion of the wick below the surface of the molten wax and has causedthe displaced wick to bend at a full right angle thereby moving thedisplaced wick further to the right and thereby causing more of theavailable displaced wick to be used within in the area of a full rightangle and less of the displaced wick to be available to protrude throughto the surface above the molten at an increased right angle.

FIG. 12 (5) (E) indicates that the prototype of the present inventionhas settled on top of the surface of the solidified wax below thesurface of the molten wax and that it has settled on the entire topsurface area of the displaced wick. This illustration also depicts thatthe slight pressure that the displaced wick has while in contact withthe inner left edge of the hole in the center of the prototype of thepresent invention has caused the prototype of the present invention tobe pulled to the left side during the process of settling on the surfaceof the solidified wax while the candle has been burning.

FIG. 12 (6) (C) indicates the point at where the displaced wick exitsthe solidified wax to protrude through to the surface above thesolidified wax is at the point above the very right inner edge of theprototype of the present invention.

FIG. 12 (7) (D) indicates the displaced wick at the point where itextends vertically upwards through the hole in the center of theprototype of the present invention and indicates that the displaced wickis in contact with the surface of the bottom edge of the hole and withinner left edge of the hole in the present invention. This also depictsthat the weight of the prototype of the present invention settling ontothis area of the displaced wick has caused it to bend in a downwardposition at an increased right angle from where it was in its previousposition as described in FIG. 11 (7) (C).

FIG. 12 (8) indicates the top surface area of the solidified wax.

FIG. 12 (9) indicates the top surface of molten wax.

FIG. 12 (10) (A) indicates the layer of molten wax which is the portionof solidified wax that has become liquefied from the heat of the flameburning on the wick and shows that the volume of molten wax is decreasedfrom the volume shown in FIG. 11 (10) due to the fact that the availableportion of wick protruding above the surface of the molten wax hasdecreased from the function of the prototype of the present invention.

FIG. 12 (11) (B) indicates the portion of the displaced wick thatextends above the solidified wax

FIG. 13 shows the same candle with a displaced wick as depicted in FIG.10 in the resulting condition after the wick had been ignited and thecandle burned for a time spam of approximately four days.

FIG. 13 (3) (E) shows the displaced wick that the prototype of thepresent invention has settled onto and has caused it to bend at a fullright angel from the point where it is in contact with the inner side ofthe vessel to the point where it extends towards the center of thesolidified wax. The displaced wick is compressed between the prototypeof the present invention and the top surface area of the solidified wax.

FIG. 13 (5) (F) shows the prototype of the present invention has settledonto the top of the surface of the solidified wax and has also settledonto the top of displaced wick causing it to bend to a right angle.

FIG. 13 (7) (E) The portion of the burned out displaced wick isapproximately one sixteenth inch below the point where the wick cameinto contact with the bottom surface of the edge of the hole in theprototype of the present invention.

FIG. 13 (8) indicates the top surface area of the solidified wax.

Page 6 Summary

FIG. 14 shows an enlarged slightly angled cut out side view of FIG. 12from the perspective of looking downwards from the top of the candletowards the bottom of the candle.

FIG. 14 (1) shows the outline of the vessel.

FIG. 14 (3) (E) indicates that at the point where the displaced wickextends from its contact with the inner surface of the vessel toapproximately one thirty second of an inch at a right angle towards thecenter of the candle it is not visible because the prototype of thepresent invention is on top of the remaking portion of the displacedwick.

FIG. 14 (4) (E) shows a side view of the portion of the displaced wickthat protrudes upwards through the molten wax layer and that thedisplaced wick has decreased in size when compared to the displaced wickas depicted in FIG. 11 (4) (B) and that it has been moved further to theright of the previous location depicted in FIG. 11 (4) (B).

FIG. 14 (5) (G) shows a side view of the prototype of the presentinvention and that it has settled on top of the surface of thesolidified wax below the surface of the molten wax layer and is settledon the entire top surface area of the displaced wick.

FIG. 14 (7) (F) indicates the point where the displaced wick extends inan upward posture at a thirty degree angle and protrudes through thehole in the prototype of the present invention. It is evidenced that itis not in contact with the upper edge of hole in the prototype of thepresent invention but it is moved to the right approximately onesixteenth of an inch from it previous position as described in FIG. 11(7) (C).

FIG. 14 (8) indicates the top surface area of the solidified wax.

FIG. 14 (9) indicates the top surface of molten wax.

FIG. 14 (10) (B) indicates a side view of the molten wax layer and showsthat the it has decreased in the volume from its previous state asdepicted in FIG. 11 (10)

FIG. 14 (11) (B) indicates the portion of the displaced wick thatextends above the solidified Wax and is in the molten wax layer.

Page 7 Summary

FIG. 15 shows an enlarged slightly angled cut out side view of FIG. 13from the perspective of looking downwards from the top of the candletowards the bottom of the candle.

FIG. 15 (1) shows the outline of the vessel.

FIG. 15 (2) shows the inside area of the vessel that is filled withsolidified wax used as fuel for the candle.

FIG. 15 (3) (F) indicates that at the point where the displaced wickextends from its contact with the inner surface of the vessel andextends an approximately one thirty second of an inch towards thecentral area of the top surface of the solidified wax it is not visiblebecause the prototype of the present invention on top of it and hassuccessfully snuffed out or extinguished the flame on the displacedwick.

FIG. 15 (5) (H) shows a side view of the prototype of the presentinvention settled onto the top of the surface of the solidified wax andthat it has also settled onto the top of the top surface area of thedisplaced wick causing it to bend over to a right angle and that thedisplaced wick is stuck between the prototype of the present inventionand the top surface of the solidified wax.

FIG. 15 (8) indicates the top surface area of the solidified wax.

Page 8 Summary

FIGS. 16, 17, 18 and 19 show four comparative illustration; FIGS. 16 and17 depict a candle in two progressive stages of the burning process andthe resulting condition of the candle without the use of the prototypeof the present invention and FIGS. 18 and 19 depict a candle in twoprogressive stages of the burning process and the resulting condition ofthe candle with the use of the prototype of the present invention. Thesefour comparative illustrations depict the beneficial use that theprototype of the present invention has to assist in reducing thebuild-up of solidified or un-molten wax on the inner surfaces of thevessel during the process of burning a candle within a vessel.

FIG. 16 (1) (A) shows the outline of the vessel.

FIG. 16 (3) indicates the wick that is placed in a central positionstarting at the bottom most part of the vessel and extends the fulllength of the solidified wax from the bottom most position of the vesselvertically upwards and exits the solidified wax.

FIG. 16 (4) indicates the nominal piece of the wick that protrudes abovethe top surface of the solidified wax.

FIG. 16 (17) indicates the areas of solidified wax that has not becomemolten and has built-up or coagulated on the surfaces of the innersurfaces of the vessel.

FIG. 17 (1) shows the outline of the vessel.

FIG. 17 (3) (G) indicates a wick that has become inundated in un-moltenwax.

FIG. 17 (17) indicates the area of solidified wax that has built-up orcoagulated on the inner surfaces of the vessel.

FIG. 18 (1) shows the outline of the vessel.

FIG. 18 (2) shows the inside area of the vessel that is filled withsolidified wax used as fuel for the candle.

FIG. 18 (4) (A) indicates the nominal piece of the wick that protrudesabove the top surface of the molten wax layer.

FIG. 18 (5) (D) indicates the prototype of the present invention Settledonto the solidified wax below the molten wax layer.

FIG. 18 (8) indicates the top surface area of the solidified wax.

FIG. 18 (9) indicates the top surface of molten wax.

FIG. 18 (10) indicates the layer of the molten wax.

FIG. 18 (17) (A) indicates the area of solidified wax that has built-upor coagulated onto the inner surfaces of the vessel and that it issubstantially less than is shown in FIG. 16.

FIG. 19 (1) shows the outline of the vessel.

FIG. 19 (3) indicates the wick that is placed in a central positionstarting at the bottom most part of the vessel and is set within thesolidified wax. The wick extends the full length of the solidified waxfrom the bottom most position of the vessel vertically upwards and exitsthe solidified wax.

FIG. 19 (4) (A) indicates the nominal piece of the wick that protrudesabove the top surface of the molten wax layer.

FIG. 19 (5) (D) indicates the prototype of the present invention Settledonto the solidified wax below the molten wax layer.

FIG. 19 (8) indicates the top surface area of the solidified wax.

FIG. 19 (9) indicates the top surface area of the molten wax.

FIG. 19 (10) indicates the layer of the molten wax.

FIG. 19 (17) (A) indicates the area of solidified wax that has built-upor coagulated on the surfaces of the inner surfaces of the vessel andthat it is substantially less than is shown in FIG. 18 and the candle isstill able to be ignited and burn.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The preferred embodiment of the present invention for the purpose ofillustration and description is designed to use with a typical SevenHour Prayer Candle FIG. 5 that is not part of the present invention.

The prototype of the present invention is a flat circular or annularplate having a uniform thickness, a circumferential edge and a majorportion thereof disposed in a flat plane having a hole or opening at itscenter through which to receive the wick and is manufactured from and ofthree thirty seconds of an inch thick ( 3/32″) stamped metal steel whichprovides the necessary weight for the prototype of the present inventionto function properly.

The prototype of the present invention is manufactured so that the majorportion of its flat plane is formed into a shape that allows it to fitinto the vessel FIG. 5 (1) and to seat in a horizontal position onto thetop surface of the solidified wax FIG. 7 (8,) with a circumferentialedge that spans the major portion of the surface of the solidified waxand its periphery reaching to a point that is within approximately threethirty seconds of an inch from the inner surfaces or the inner sides ofthe vessel FIG. (5) (12) and having a hole located in its center throughwhich to receive a wick. That stated, for the purpose of thisdescription the prototype of the present invention has an out sidediameter of two inches and one sixteenth of an inch FIG. (6) (15) and aninside diameter of the hole being one half of an inch (½″) FIG. 6 (16).

Four different angled views of the prototype of the present inventionFIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 4 shows the following; a full flat one dimensionalview FIG. 1, a full flat three dimensional view FIG. 2 a threedimensional view at a ten degree angle FIG. 3 and a one dimensional viewat an approximate thirty degree angle FIG. 4 of which this latter viewis used in FIGS. 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13.

The common seven day prayer candle that is not part of the presentinvention FIG. 5 depicts all the elements that compose a common sevenday prayer candle. A common seven day prayer candle viewed from its sideat an approximate thirty degree angle at a perspective of lookingupwards from the bottom of the candle up through the solidified wax(depicted as clear open space without any markings) to the top of thecandle eight and a quarter inches in height that may be composed of thefollowing; a vessel or container approximately FIG. 5 (1) with anopening at the top that may be composed of glass, metal or othernon-combustible or semi noncombustible material that contains content ofthe other components that make up the candle portion hereafter termed‘vessel’), a combustible fuel that may be wax, tallow or an othersolidified or semi solidified combustible substance that is solid atambient temperatures and becomes melted when heated somewhat aboveambient temperature (thereafter termed ‘solidified wax’) that fillsapproximately seven eights of the vessel FIG. 5 (2) and a wick FIG. 5(3) that may be composed of an absorbent material, generally a type ofcotton, nylon or other material in the formation of a string or threadthat may have a thin wire in its center used as a stiffener (hereaftertermed ‘wick’) FIG. 5 (3) that is placed in the central area of thevessel and extends in a vertically upward position through the fulllength of the solidified wax FIG. 5 (2) and exits the solidified waxthrough to the top surface of solidified wax FIG. 5 (8) so that anominal piece of the wick (one quarter inch up to one inch, depending onthe manufacturer of the candle) protrudes FIG. 5 (4) above the topsurface of the solidified wax FIG. 5 (8) for the purpose of ignitingwith a flame.

Generally these candles have a wick holder that is set on the bottom ofthe vessel FIG. 5 (13) that secures the very most bottom end of the wickFIG. 5 (14) at the bottom of the vessel during the manufacturing processof making the candle within the vessel. The wick holder is usually madeof a piece of thin metal in a rectangular shape with a crimping hole inits center to received the end of the wick and secure the wick at anupward ninety degree angle in the bottom of the vessel. The wick holderis shown in FIG. 5 (13) to illustrate all of the actual components of acommon seven day prayer candle (hereafter termed ‘candle’). The wickholder is omitted in all of the remaining illustrations as its presencehas no affect on the function or operation of the prototype of thepresent invention and its absence allows an unimpeded and clear view ofthe prototype of the present invention depicted in the illustrations atdifferent stages of the burning of the candle The solidified wax FIG. 5(2) in all of the illustrations is shown as clear to allow a clear andconcise depiction of the elements of the candle and the function andoperation of the prototype of the present invention in an unimpeded,clear and concise manner. The vessel FIG. 5 (1) is depicted by a dashedline in all of the illustrations indicating that the candle is not partof the present invention.

The candle FIG. 7 with the prototype of the present invention viewedfrom its side at an approximate thirty degree angle at a perspective oflooking upwards from the bottom of the vessel, up through the clearsolidified wax FIG. 7 (2) to the top of the vessel. The prototype of thepresent invention FIG. 7 (5) is properly inserted into the vessel andseated in a horizontal position onto the top surface of the solidifiedwax FIG. 7 (8) with the wick FIG. 7 (3) that is placed in the centralarea of the solidified wax FIG. 7 (2) and extends through the fulllength of the solidified wax to the point where it exits the solidifiedwax FIG. 7 (6) and proceeds in a straight vertical upward position to apoint where it enters through the central area of the hole in theprototype of the present invention FIG. 7 (7) and FIG. 7 (5)respectively, a nominal piece of the wick protrudes above the surface ofthe solidified wax FIG. 7 (4) and FIG. 7 (8) respectively.

The afore said candle in the resulting condition after it had beenignited and allowed to burn for a period of two and a half days FIG. 8show the affect of the present invention. As is the normal process ofany candle within a container, as the flame on the wick FIG. 8 (3) burnsit heats the surface of the solidified wax FIG. 8 (8) surrounding thearea of the wick turning the solidified wax into a molten, or liquefiedstate (hereafter termed ‘molten wax’) which causes a top surface ofmolten wax FIG. 8 (9) to form around the immediate area of the wick. Inorder for a candle to accomplish the full use of the major portion ofthe solidified wax FIG. 8 (2) and burn to the completion of its design,it is essential that the wick FIG. 8 (3) has available to it, enough ofa molten wax layer FIG. 8 (10) or a supply of molten wax from which toabsorb the molten wax that is used to provide fuel for the flame. Theprototype of the present invention FIG. 8 (5) (A) having been set ontothe top surface of the solidified wax FIG. 7 (8) at the initial time ofthe ignition of the wick, allowed the prototype of the present inventionFIG. 7 (5) to absorb the radiating heat from the flame on the wick anddistribute the heat evenly across the top surface of the solidified waxFIG. 7 (8) and this affect resulted in providing an even melting of thetop surface of the solidified wax FIG. 8 (8). Other beneficial use ofthe present invention at the initial ignition of the candle is describedlater in this description. The resulting condition of the candle FIG. 8burning for a period of two and a half days is that there has formed anample layer of molten wax FIG. 8 (10) into which the prototype of thepresent invention has, because of the weight of its design continued tosink through the molten wax layer FIG. 8 (10) and settle onto the topsurface of solidified wax FIG. 8 (8) below, during which time it hascontinually maintained the wick FIG. 8 (3) within the open area of thehole in its center and the wick continues to extend in a verticallyupwards position through the hole in the center of the prototype of thepresent invention FIG. 8 (7) and exit the solidified wax FIG. 8 (6)upwards through the central area of the molten wax layer FIG. 8 (11) andprotruded at a central point above the top surface of the molten waxFIG. 8 (4) (A). The weight of the prototype of the present inventionFIG. 8 (5) (A) provides it the ability to continually sink below themolten wax layer FIG. 8 (10) and continually maintain the wick within acentral position which makes it a unique sinking candle follower and itsweight also allows the present invention to settle onto the top surfaceof the solidified wax which maintains a constant and continuous evenmelting of the top surface of the solidified wax FIG. 8 (8) below thesurface of the molten wax layer FIG. 8 (10) because the presentinvention is made of a material that is able to absorb the ambienttemperature of the molten wax that it is submerged into and distribute aquantity of that heat evenly across the top surface of the solidifiedwax FIG. 8 (10).

In the resulting condition of the aforesaid candle FIG. 8 having burnedfor approximately seven days FIG. 9 (hence the name of the candle forwhich the prototype of the present invention has been designed; a commonseven day prayer candle, not part of the present invention for thepurpose of this description) the candle has fully burned most of theavailable solidified wax and the prototype of the present invention FIG.9 (5) (B) has settled to the bottom of the vessel FIG. 9 (1) and thereis a portion of the burned out wick central position of its hole FIG. 9(7) with the remaining unburned portion underneath. The amount of thetop surface area of unused solidified wax that is stuck onto the innersurfaces of the vessel FIG. 9 (8) is minimal.

The overall affects of the present invention FIG. 9 (5) (B) is that itprovides the necessary assistance to maintain the wick with the centralarea of its hole FIG. 9 (7) and within the central area of all areas ofwax during the entire process of burning the candle It also provides theassistance of an even distribution of the ambient heat within the moltenlayer of wax FIG. 8 (10) and to disburse it over and across the topsurface of the solidified wax FIG. 8 (8) which causes an even melting ofthe top surface area of the solidified wax FIG. 8 (8) and that assistsin the requirements necessary for candle to exhaust most all of thesolidified wax FIG. 8 (2) leaving a small portion of solidified wax FIG.9 (8) on the surface of the vessel. The prototype of the presentinvention has also been a factor in maintaining an even top surfacemelting of the solidified wax FIG. 8 (8). The prototype of the presentinvention has thus assisted the candle to burn to the full extent of itsdesign. The prototype of the present invention FIG. 9 (5) (B) can beremoved and used in another candle As the preferred material used in itsmanufacturing is that of metal, it can be used for generations andgenerations because the stated use of it results in extremely little, ifany wear and tear whatsoever.

A wick that deviates from a straight, upwards and central positionwithin the solidified wax as previously depicted in FIGS. 5, 7, 8, and 9(hereafter termed ‘displaced wick’) FIG. 10 (3) (A) is a common cause ofcandle failure. The prototype of the present invention FIG. 10 (5) (C)assists in maintaining a displaced wick figure within the central areaof its hole or it will snuff out or extinguish the flame burning on thedisplaced wick.

The candle FIG. 10 with a displaced wick FIG. 10 (3) (A) is described asa wick that is placed in a central position from the bottom most part ofthe vessel and extends vertically upwards at a twenty ten degree angletowards the left side until approximately two thirds the length of thesolidified wax when it bends horizontally to the left at a sixty degreeangle until it comes into contact with the inner side of the vessel.From that point the wick is bent towards the right at a sharp sixtydegree angle towards the center of the solidified wax and extends atsaid right angel vertically upwards until it is at near central positionwithin the solidified wax at approximately ⅚th the length of thesolidified wax and from that point it extends vertically in a straightposition upwards at a eight degree right angle until it exits thesolidified wax FIG. 10 (6) (A) at approximately one thirty second of aninch to the right of center and the nominal piece of the displaced wickthat protrudes upwards through the surface of the surface of thesolidified wax FIG. 10 (4) (B) and FIG. 10 (6) respectively, is slightlytoward the right side approximately one sixteenth of an inch from thecenter of the top surface of solidified wax FIG. 10 (8). The prototypeof the present invention is seated in a horizontal position on the topsurface of the solidified wax FIG. 10 (5) (C) and FIG. 10 (8)respectively with the displaced wick FIG. 10 (3) (A) protruding in anupward position through the hole in the center of the prototype of thepresent invention FIG. 10 (7) (B).

The resulting condition of the candle as described in FIG. 10 afterburning for a period of two and a half days FIG. 11 shows that theweight of the prototype of the present invention FIG. 11 (5) (D) hasallowed it to sink below the molten wax layer FIG. 11 (10) and settleonto the top of the surface of the solidified wax FIG. 11 (8) and it hashad the affect of pressing down on the portion of displaced wick FIG. 11(3) (C) at the point where it extends vertically upwards through thehole in the center of the prototype of the present invention FIG. 11 (7)(C) and is in contact with the bottom surface of the bottom edge of saidhole has caused the displaced wick to bend at a ten degree right angledownwards FIG. 11 (3) (C). At the point at where the displaced wickexits the solidified wax FIG. 11 (6) (B) to protrude through to themolten wax layer FIG. 10 (10) said portion of wick FIG. 11 (11) (A) hasbeen bent at an approximately ten degree right angle from the weight ofthe prototype of the present invention. This also caused the nominalpiece of wick that protrudes above the surface of the molten wax FIG. 11(4) (C) and FIG. 11 (9) respectively to bend in a likewise angle andmove approximately one sixteenth of an inch to the right of its previouslocation as described in FIG. 10 (4) (B). The aforesaid process alsocauses the nominal piece of displaced wick that protrudes above thesurface of the molten wax FIG. 11 (4) (C) to be shortened or lessened insize because of the increased angle of the displaced wick. This causesthe flame to burn at a decreased intensity due to less surface area ormass of displaced wick that is available to the flame.

The resulting condition of the aforesaid candle in FIG. 11 after burningfor a period of three and a quarter days FIG. 12 indicates that theprogressive burning of the flame on the reduced area or mass of thedisplaced wick FIG. 12 (4) (D) has reduced the intensity of heatgenerated by the flame which has caused a decreased amount of solidifiedwas FIG. 12 (2) to melt into a molten wax layer FIG. 12 (10) (A). Theflame has consumed or exhausted the major portion, approximately threequarters, of the available molten wax layer FIG. 12 (10) (A) which hasbecome substantially less in volume than depicted in FIG. 11 (10). Thedisplaced wick within the molten layer of wax FIG. 12 (11) (A) and theportion of the displaced wick that protrudes above the surface of themolten wax FIG. 12 (4) (D) and FIG. 12 (9) respectively are both at anincreased approximately ten degree right angle from where they werepreviously located as described in FIG. 11 (11) (A) and FIG. 11 (4) (C)respectively. Both the aforesaid portions of the displaced wick FIG. 11(11) (A) and FIG. 12 (4) (D) have moved to the right approximately onesixteenth of an inch from its previous position as described in FIG. 11(11) (A) and FIG. 11 (4) (C). The prototype of the present inventionFIG. 12 (5) (E) has maintained a position on the top surface of thesolidified wax FIG. 12 (8) and its bottom surface is in full contactwith and applying the pressure of its weight onto the top surface ofthat portion of the displaced wick that extends from point of contactwith the inner side of the vessel to the point where it extend to theright towards the hole in the center of the prototype of the presentinvention FIG. 12 (3) (D) and FIG. 12(5) (E). During the above statedprocess the displaced wick at the point where it has come into contactwith the inner left edge of the hole in the center of the prototype ofthe present invention FIG. 12 (7) (D) has caused the prototype of thepresent invention to settle to the left side of the vessel FIG. 12 (5)(E) and 12 (1) respectively.

The same aforesaid candle as in FIG. 12 in the resulting condition ofhaving burned for a period of four and a half days FIG. 13 shows thatthe prototype of the present invention FIG. 13 (5) (F) has fully settledonto the top surface of the displaced wick; the bottom surface of theprototype of the present invention is in contact with the top surface ofthe displaced wick and has caused it to bend at a full right angel forthe full length of the top surface of the angled portion of thedisplaced wick that extends from point where it is in contact with theinner side of the vessel to the point where it extends to the area ofthe hole in the center of the prototype of the present invention FIG. 13(3) (E) and the displaced wick is compressed between the prototype ofthe present invention FIG. 13 (5) (F) and the top surface area of thesolidified wax FIG. 13 (8). The above stated condition has caused thedisplaced wick FIG. 13 (3) (E) to be snuffed out or extinguished. Theportion of the burned out displaced wick is approximately one sixteenthinch below the point where the wick came into contact with the bottomsurface of the edge of the hole in the prototype of the presentinvention FIG. 13 (7) (E) and FIG. 13 (5) (F) respectively.

Turning your attention back to the candle in the state of having burnedfor a period of two and a half days as described in FIG. 12 this is adescription of an enlarged side view from the perspective of lookingslightly down (at a ten degree angle) from the top of the candle to thebottom of the candle FIG. 14. At the point where the displaced wickextends from its contact with the inner surface of the vessel toapproximately one thirty second of an inch at a right angle towards thecenter of the candle FIG. 14 (3) (F), it is not visible because theprototype of the present invention FIG. 14 (5) (G) is on top of theremaining portion of the displaced wick. During the process of the flameburning on the wick it is evidenced that the flame has exhaustedapproximately three quarters of the molten wax layer FIG. 14 (10) (B)and that it is substantially less in volume then is was as described inFIG. 11 (10). The affect that the prototype of the present invention hadin lessening or reducing the portion of the wick that protrudes abovethe surface of molten wax FIG. 14 (4) (E) and FIG. 14 (9) by bending thewick under its weight is clearly seen from the side view as beingreduced in size to approximately half of what it was in FIG. (11) (C).At the point where the displaced wick extends in an upward posture at athirty degree angle and protrudes through the hole in the prototype ofthe present invention It is evidenced that it is not in contact with theupper edge of hole in the prototype of the present invention but it ismoved to the right approximately one sixteenth of an inch FIG. 14 (7)(F). The slight pressure that the displaced wick had while in contactwith the bottom surface of the inner left edge of the hole in the centerof the prototype of the present invention has caused it FIG. 14 (7) (F)and FIG. 14 (5) (G) respectively to be pulled to the left side of thevessel FIG. 14 (1) during the process that allowed the settling of theprototype of the present invention on the surface of the solidified waxFIG. 14 (8). The displaced wick within the molten layer of wax FIG. 14(11) (B) and the portion of the displaced wick that protrudes above thesurface of the molten wax FIG. 14 (4) (E) are both at an increased,approximately ten percent, right angle and both have moved to the rightapproximately one sixteenth of an inch FIG. 14 (11) (B) and FIG. 14 (4)(E) respectively from their previous position as described in FIG. 11(11) (A) and 11 (4) (C) respectively.

Turning the attention back to the aforesaid candle in the state ofhaving burned for a period of four and a half days as described in FIG.13 this is a description of an enlarged side view from the perspectiveof looking slightly down at a ten degree angle from the top of thecandle to the bottom of the candle FIG. 15. At the point where thedisplaced wick extends from its contact with the inner surface of thevessel FIG. 15 (3) (F) and FIG. 15 (1) respectively, and extends anapproximately one thirty second of an inch towards the central area ofthe top surface of the solidified wax FIG. 15 (8), after which theremaining portion of the wick is not visible because the prototype ofthe present invention FIG. 15 (5) (H) is on top of the remaining portionof the displaced wick and has successfully snuffed out or extinguishedthe flame on the displaced wick 15 (3) (F) as described in FIG. 13.

The present invention is also designed to assist in decreasing orreducing the build up of wax on the inner surfaces of the vessel. Fourcomparative illustrations; two, FIGS. 16 and 17 are of a candle that hasbeen allowed to burn to its full ability without the use of theprototype of the present invention and the other two FIGS. 18 and 19 areof a candle using the prototype of the present invention and have beenallowed to burn for the same periods of time; two days and four and ahalf days respectively. These candles are viewed from the perspective oflooking at the side of the candle at a slightly downward angle ofapproximately ten degrees from the top of the candle to the bottom ofthe candle.

The candle FIG. 16 that has burned for two days without a prototype ofthe present invention shows that wax has built up on the inner surfacesof the vessel FIG. 16 (17) and FIG. 16 (1) respectively and thatapproximately fifty percent of the available space of the insidediameter of the vessel FIG. 5 (12) at the point where the wick protrudesabove the surface of solidified wax FIG. 16 (4) and FIG. 16 (9)respectively, has been filled with wax build up FIG. 16 (17). This buildup of un-molten solidified wax FIG. 17 (17) caused eventual candlefailure after four days of burning the candle FIG. 17. This is a commonand typical cause of candle failure for candles that are within vessels.The flame on the wick FIG. 16 (3) had been deprived of the necessary airdue to the process of wax buildup on the inner surfaces of the vesselFIG. 16 (17) and after burning for four days the flame on the wick FIG.17 (3) (G) was extinguished. The solidified wax that could not becomemolten wax FIG. 17 (17) had accumulated and built up on the innersurfaces of the vessel FIG. 16 (17) and FIG. 17 (17) and caused acondition whereby the air supply to the flame on the wick FIG. 16 (3)decreased and progressively as the candle burned FIG. 16 to FIG. 17 anincreased amount of solidified wax that remained un-molten and remainedon the inner surfaces of the vessel FIG. (17) (17) eventually caused thewick FIG. 17 (3) (G) to become inundated in un-molten wax.

When compared to burning a candle FIG. 18 and FIG. 19 for the sameduration of time, respectively, with a prototype of the presentinvention FIG. 18 (5) (I) and FIG. 19 (5) (I) it is evidenced thatbecause there is substantially (over thirty percent) less accumulationof wax build up on the inner surfaces of the vessel FIG. 18 (17) (A) and19 (17) (A) the wick FIG. 18 (4) (A) and FIG. 19 (4) (A) is able toreceive enough air to maintain a flame and thereby maintain a healthylayer of molten wax FIG. 18 (10) and FIG. 19 (10) for the flame to useas fuel thereby circumventing typical candle in a vessel failure.

During the initial lighting or ignition of the wick the prototype of thepresent invention FIG. 18 (5) (D) and 19 (5) (D) becomes heated by theradiating heat that is generated by the flame and it distributes aportion of that heat evenly across the top surface of the solidified waxFIG. 18 (8) and FIG. 19 (8) which allows an even melting of the topsurface area of the solidified wax FIG. 18 (8) and FIG. 19 (8) whichreduces the amount of un-molten wax to build up near the inner surfaceof the vessel FIG. 18 (17) (A) and FIG. 19 (17) (A) and FIG. 18 (1) andFIG. 19 (1) respectively. As the prototype of the present invention FIG.18 (5) (I) and 19 (5) (I) sinks below the top surface of the molten waxFIG. 18 (9) and FIG. 19 (9) into the molten wax layer FIG. 18 (10) andFIG. 19 (10) and settles horizontally onto the top surface of thesolidified wax below FIG. 18 (8) and FIG. 19 (8) its weight and abilityto absorb an amount of heat from the ambient temperature of the moltenwax both applies pressure and distribute an amount of said heat evenlyacross the surface of solidified wax FIG. 18 (8) and FIG. 19 (8). Thishas the affect of reducing or lessoning the amount of un-molten orsolidified wax to build up or remain on the inner surfaces of the vesselFIG. 18 (17) (A) and FIG. 19 (17) (A) and FIG. 18 (1) and FIG. 19 (I).

Two modification that could be made to the present invention wouldconsist of a short sleeve attached in an upright position with its edgesurrounding the central hole of the present invention allowing the wickto protrude through the present invention and sleeve; one modificationwith the sleeve projecting in an upward position from said hole and adifferent modification projecting in an downward position from said holeor a modification consisting of a sleeve on both sides of the presentinvention. These modifications may or may not have beneficial affects.

It will be understood that the present invention is not limited in itsusefulness to assist in the burning of a candle within a vessel but thatit could be adapted to use in a variety situations whereby a vesselcontaining a consumable substance and an article of consumable nature isrequired to be retained within a centralized position and or theconsumable substance requires any aforesaid advantages presented.

Having described the present invention in detail anyone who reads thisdescription can appreciate the benefits of its use, simplicity of itsdesign and its value. It should also be obvious to anyone who reads thisdescription that numerous modifications may be made thereof withoutdeparting from the spirit of this invention. The preferred embodiment ofthe prototype of the present invention, as illustrated, is made to usewith a common seven day prayer candle and it is obvious to the mostcausal observer that the present invention can be made to fit intocandles within vessels of a variety of shapes and sizes withoutdeparting from principle of the invention or sacrificing any of itsadvantages.

The simplicity of its design does leave open the possibility ofuncountable modifications but it is its simplicity and the expressedmanner in which it carries out its functions and operations that are thespirit of this invention. Therefore, I do not intend to limit thebreadth of this invention to the single embodiment illustrated anddescribed. Rather, it is intended that the scope and fair meaning of theinvention be determined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

1. A safety and enhancement device that may be used with a candlecontained within a vessel that uses a solid or semi-solid fuel such assolidified wax or tallow that melts at low temperature, comprising, incombination, a flat plate having a hole or opening at through which toreceive a wick, made of non-combustible or semi-noncombustible material,capable of heat absorbs ion and distribution and designed or formed tofit into the vessel containing a candle, allowing the surface area ofthe flat plate to span the majority of the surface of the aforesaid fuelto within close proximity of the inner surfaces of the vessel, which incombination allows the device to improve heat distribution over the topsurface of aforesaid fuel which can reduce the buildup of wax on theinner surfaces of the vessel, to sink below the molten wax layer andcause the flame on a displaced wick to be snuffed out or extinguishedand to function as a candle follower that retains the wick with the areaof its hole or opening.
 1. A safety and enhancement device of claim 1wherein the flat plate has a uniform thickness.
 2. A safety andenhancement device of claim 1 and 2 where in aforesaid flat plate has anedge and the major portion thereof is disposed of in a flat plane.
 3. Asafety and enhancement device of claim 1, 2 and 3 where in aforesaidplate has a hole or opening through which to receive a wick.
 4. A safetyand enhancement device of claim 1, 2, and 3 wherein aforesaid plate ismade of noncombustible or semi-noncombustible material similar to thatof metal.
 5. A safety and enhancement device of claim 1, 2, 3, and 4wherein aforesaid plate is capable of heat absorption and distributionsimilar to that of metal.
 6. A safety and enhancement device of claim 1,2, 3, 4 and 5 wherein aforesaid flat plate has a weight similar to thatof metal.